The New York Times gives "relatively significant person" obituary treatment today to Joan Winston, who died Sept. 11 at age 77.
Who is she? Only one of the most important "Star Trek" fans ever:
Ms. Winston earned the love of “Star Trek” fans everywhere by helping to orchestrate an afterlife for the series beyond the television set — initially by organizing conventions and persuading stars from the series to attend, later by appearing at the conventions as a star in her own right, a superfan whose undying devotion inspired awe among “Star Trek” devotees.
That's right. Before Joan Winston, people used to watch television shows -- and move on with their lives. After Winston, people were increasingly able to create lives that centered around their favorite entertainments. "Star Trek" is the most notorious example of this, but far from the only one. (See also: D&D, Society for Creative Anachronism, any form of cosplay, etc.)
Winston didn't really create this phenomenon -- she was just one of the catalysts. But it's telling that our culture has come to this: You get a NYT obituary for really liking a TV show. You get a NYT obituary for really liking a TV show. Hey, I like "Star Trek" too; same for "Lost" and "Battlestar Galactica." Where's my 1,500 words in the Times?
2 comments:
as a person who has helped organize a couple of very modest conferences, I'd say this gal earned her 1500 words.
Last I checked, you were still among the living. (and I hope you remain that way for a long time) Be patient and ambitious and you may be rewarded with your space in the Times. But you'll never know.
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